Don’t Write the Obituary on Medicaid Reform Just Yet

Both the Missouri House and Senate have rejected Medicaid expansion bills pending before committees of their respective chambers. But the issue is not dead yet. Representative Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City) has filed legislation (House Bill 700) that takes a different approach by proposing reforms of Medicaid, such as requiring more cost-sharing by recipients, and building in various pro-life protections, such as prohibiting funding of abortions.

A hearing on House Bill 700 is expected after Spring Break, probably the legislative week of March 25-29. Representative Barnes has been making the rounds of the offices of his House colleagues and asking for their input. A revised House Bill 700 is now being drafted.